Summer Games Done Quick 2015: Day 2 Highlights and Day 3 Runs to Watch

A full week of amazing speed runs continued on Monday, as Summer Games Done Quick 2015 explored more of the best games across the annals of gaming history. Shacknews recaps the second day of the event, while offering a handful of runs to keep an eye out for later today.

If you missed them, be sure to check out highlights from Day 1 of Summer Games Done Quick 2015.

Summer Games Done Quick 2015 continued throughout Monday, all the way into Tuesday and beyond, continuing to speed run through many of the best (and most interesting) games across the medium. As will be the case for the full week, the people at Games Done Quick are raising money for Doctors Without Borders. Shacknews is looking back at the best highlights across the week and here are the best runs from Monday.

Day 2 Highlights

The 'Ghosts 'N Goblins' Block (Multiple Platforms)

Old-school gamers will remember the Ghosts 'N Goblins series as some of the most difficult games ever made. Shacknews even looked back fondly at these games not too long ago. These games can be tough to speed run, because of their immense difficulty, as well as the unpredictable movement patterns of foes like the Red Arremer, but error72 and Aquas both attempt to run through the first two games of the series.

Even more interesting was an homage of sorts called Maldita Castilla, which pcull44444 and Mr_Weables raced through later in the day. This game featured many of the hallmarks of the series, such as the platforming, the variety of monsters, and the different weaponry. That run is available below, made even better by the two runners bantering with one another throughout the session. The game is also available for free from developer Locomalito's website.

The Tetris Grand Master Block (Arcade)

Simply some of the most intense Tetris ever played. Those not familiar with Grand Master Tetris may not recognize the differences from more standard console versions of the game. It's mostly known for being a more unforgiving interpretation of the game that goes at near-blinding speed. This particular block also features masters going at it in Versus mode, which features some incredible power-ups not seen in any other version of the game.

Words don't do these runs justice, so check them out below.

Day 3 Runs to Watch

'Mega Man X' Block (Multiple Platforms) - 4:56PM PT

The Mega Man X series of game retained much of the difficulty of the original series, while introducing new ideas like character upgrades and even some open-exploration elements across the game's stages. There's plenty to see, but Mega Man X8 and Mega Man X2 are all about the race, with speed runners getting together for a massive sprint to the finish. The major challenge comes later, as Crak_Atak takes on Mega Man X3 with only the X-Buster at his disposal.

'Castlevania' Block (Multiple Platforms) - 8:51PM PT

Castlevania has had a mixed history after its tremendous NES run, with certain games being held in higher esteem than others. This block of Castlevania games will go through some of the more acclaimed efforts, starting with a Castlevania: Symphony of the Night race. The focus then shifts to the later handheld efforts, with Aria of Sorrow, Dawn of Sorror, and Portrait of Ruin. Those that are unfamiliar with the latter era of 2D Castlevania games may be interested in catching this block of games.

Ori and the Blind Forest (PC) - 11:16PM PT

Ori and the Blind Forest is currently among the games in the running for Game of the Year. One of the many reasons for that is its 2D design that makes it ideal for speed runs. Vulajin will make the valiant attempt to get through this deceptively-difficult platformer, attempting to navigate some of the more difficult sequences. Will the escape sequence near the middle of the game be enough to throw this run out? Find out during Tuesday evening's final run.

Summer Games Done Quick will air all week on Twitch. To donate, be sure to visit the Games Done Quick website.

Ozzie has been playing video games since picking up his first NES controller at age 5. He has been into games ever since, only briefly stepping away during his college years. But he was pulled back in after spending years in QA circles for both THQ and Activision, mostly spending time helping to push forward the Guitar Hero series at its peak. Ozzie has become a big fan of platformers, puzzle games, shooters, and RPGs, just to name a few genres, but he’s also a huge sucker for anything with a good, compelling narrative behind it. Because what are video games if you can't enjoy a good story with a fresh Cherry Coke?

The game is basically a speed running FPS with 100 short levels where you have to kill all the baddies, don't kill the goodies, destroy the apples before they hit the ground, and avoid the spikes and bombs. You get bonus for beating a par time, and for not missing any shots.

Yeah. I heard someone mention The Talos Principle, but I don't see it on the schedule. Maybe it is a bonus game. It is a 1st person puzzle game, somewhat like portal. I took 24 hours to beat it, but have since seen a video where someone beats it in 30 minutes by boosting onto wall and thereby bypassing most of the puzzles. I think like only 6 of the puzzles were completed the intended way. I'd like to see that done in the marathon.